Dry soil spurs early planting, frost risk

By Blake Jackson

Missouri farmers are taking a gamble this spring, planting crops earlier due to unusually dry conditions. While February's dry weather warmed the soil and tempted farmers to get a head start, this gamble comes with a risk of frost damaging young seedlings.

The lack of rain throughout last year and into February left Missouri's soil parched. This dryness can be a double-edged sword for farmers. While excessive drought harms seeds, moderate dryness can benefit crops by encouraging roots to grow deeper, leading to higher yields.

"We've already had some farmers try planting a bit early," says Brad Lees, owner of a farm in northern Missouri. "The warm, dry weather makes it tempting."

However, there's a catch. Early planting increases the risk of frost, which can be deadly to young crops that have already sprouted. "The earlier we plant, the greater the chance of frost," says Justin Calhoun, an agricultural expert at the University of Missouri. "It's a gamble."

These dry conditions are a continuation of a trend that began last year. According to the state climatologist, Missouri's drought score – a measurement of drought severity – has jumped significantly since February. While March usually brings some relief, this year's rainfall predictions suggest it won't be enough to erase the drought completely.

"We're seeing improvement, but it's gradual," says the climatologist. "There's still a long-term precipitation deficit to overcome."

Preserving moisture in dry soil is a challenge. Irrigation systems are an option, but they're expensive and not suitable for all farms. Brad Lees, whose farm has uneven terrain, relies on a different approach – no-till planting, which minimizes soil disruption.

"Irrigation would be ideal, but the cost, soil type, and land layout make it impractical for us," Lees says. "With no irrigation, we're at the mercy of the weather."

For farms with irrigation, Calhoun recommends using soil moisture sensors to optimize water usage. Cover crops, like rye or oats, are another option for non-irrigated farms. These crops improve soil health, retain some moisture, and reduce carbon emissions.

"Cover crops can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature," says Calhoun. "But it's important to manage them carefully, as too many can compete with main crops for surface moisture."

Missouri farmers are facing a tough decision this spring. Early planting offers potential benefits but comes with the risk of frost. As they navigate these dry conditions, different strategies like no-till planting and cover crops can offer some protection for their precious crops.

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